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In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the Callaway Elyte Max Fast driver, the lightweight model in the Elyte driver family.
The Max Fast benefits from the same cutting-edge technologies as the standard Elyte including a new Ai 10x Face and Thermoforged Carbon Crown, and it has a stretched back profile like the Elyte X.
However, its comprehensive lightweight design, including lightweight shaft and grip, is aimed at golfers with slower swing speeds in order to help generate more clubhead speed, launch, and carry.
How does the Elyte Max Fast actually perform when put to the test? How does it compare to other Elyte models and the previous generation Paradym Ai Smoke MAX? Who is it best suited for? Is it worth putting in the bag?
Here’s what will be covered in the review:
Read on to learn what you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, stock shafts and stock grips are used when evaluating this club. In most cases, the golf clubs reviewed on Golfstead are acquired temporarily for testing purposes and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on the personal experience and research of the author. Because everyone’s swing and body are different, results with a particular club may differ from person to person.
What are the reviews like?
The Elyte Max Fast driver is a new release, so the ratings and reviews that are out there are limited.
However, it won a gold medal on the Golf Digest 2025 Hot List and currently enjoys a 5/5 rating on the official Callaway store.
What People Like
- very accurate
- easy launch
- similar forgiveness levels to the Elyte X
- sharp looks
- fast and long off the tee
What People Don’t Like
- lightweight configuration won’t suit many golfers
The Features
The Elyte Max Fast is a lightweight driver designed for moderate swing speeds. It packs the same technologies as the Elyte X, namely:
- Ai 10x Face: replacing the Ai Smart Face found in previous Callaway drivers, this face technology delivers 10 times more control points, further enhancing performance across the face. The results is higher ball speeds, tighter dispersions, and better optimized spin and launch.
- Thermoforged Carbon Crown: a new aerospace-grade carbon fiber crown allows the center of gravity (CG) to be positioned optimally for low spin and high launch. It also works with the unique shape of the driver to deliver unprecedented speed and distance.
- Elyte Shape: a new aerodynamic shape, developed through advanced prototyping, consists of a lower heel section and lower crown profile. It’s designed to minimize air resistance and maximize speed through the entire swing.
- Discrete Weighting System: a new discrete perimeter weighting system (neutral and draw positions) with a movable weight.
Aside from the slightly different sole design and stretched footprint, the key differences that set the Elyte Max Fast apart are:
- a lightweight stock shaft (40g) and lightweight stock grip (25g)
- a carbon sole construction that saves weight in the clubhead
Stock Info
The Elyte Max Fast driver is available in 10.5° and 12° standard lofts at 460 CC.
An included Optifit hosel allows you to adjust loft and lie. The loft settings are -1, +1, 0 and +2 (a range of 3°). The lie settings are N (neutral) and D (draw), giving a total of 8 possible configurations.
Also available is the Elyte Max Fast driver for women. The women’s version has the same clubhead, but the swingweights, lengths, shafts and grips are tailored to women to maximize their performance.
The stock graphite shaft is the Mitsubishi VANQUISH PL 40 (light flex), and the stock grip is the Winn Dri-Tac 2.0 Lite. Custom options are available.
If you’re interested, full information on the driver, shafts, grips and their specs can be found here.
Below are the specs of the Elyte Max Fast driver. Click or zoom to enlarge.
The Performance
In the below sections, I’ll talk about my experience with the Elyte Max Fast driver. Let’s jump right in.
Distance
My testing suggests that smash factors and ball speeds off the face of the Elyte Max Fast aren’t much different from the X model. They are also in the same ballpark as the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX and marginally higher than the MAX Fast model of that generation.
Clubhead speed is a much more individual issue because it depends on your swing speed and type. Those with slower or more moderate swing speeds may pick up a considerable amount of clubhead speed over the other Elyte drivers, while faster swingers may actually lose clubhead speed.
In my case, lightweight drivers like the Elyte Max Fast generally don’t suit me, and I did lose some distance and a few mph of clubhead speed compared to the X model. Your results may differ.
Forgiveness
Like the X model, the Elyte Max Fast also has a stretched profile, but the shape doesn’t appear to be exactly the same. In fact, the Max Fast seems to have the overall shape and curves of the standard Elyte, with the elongation (from front to back) of the Elyte X.
Whatever the case may be, Callaway says that the Max Fast isn’t quite as forgiving as the X model. It’s not immediately obvious as to why this is the case, although I suspect there is a different weight distribution within the clubhead which results in slightly less MOI and stability through impact.
Based on my hands-on experience, the forgiveness of the Elyte Max Fast falls somewhere in between the standard and X models. Ball speed retention and directional forgiveness on mis-hits are both great, and dispersions are tight as far as drivers go.
Playability/Trajectory
Callaway classifies the launch of the Elyte Max Fast driver as very high, with mid spin. I can vouch for this.
I was getting similar spin numbers (RPMs) to the X model with a higher launch angle by about a degree. I suspect that some slower swingers may see an increased launch of 2° or more compared to their previous driver.
The Max Fast is relatively effortless to swing, making it an ideal choice for many seniors and beginners, and you can put the sole weight into the draw position to help mitigate any slices. Workability is average or a little bit below average.
The Look
The Elyte Max Fast driver has a streamlined shape, smooth curves, and a footprint that is stretched from front to back.
The matte black crown looks subtle yet attractive behind the ball. As with Callaway’s previous generations, there’s a chevron on the top line to help with alignment, which, when combined with the stretched-back profile, gives you a driver that is very confidence-inspiring at address.
The main part of the look that distinguishes the Max Fast from the other Elyte models is the sole aesthetic, which has slightly altered logo detail and an additional thin green accent running down the middle which I like. In addition, the carbon material gives the sole a different, lighter texture.
Like the Elyte X, the Max Fast has two perimeter weight ports corresponding to neutral and draw shot shapes, which is expected as most players who would be a good fit for this driver won’t need fade bias.
The Sound & Feel
The Elyte Max Fast driver feels powerful and responsive at impact. While the feel has a solidness to it, it seems to be somewhat softer and more muted than the X and standard models, which I suspect is due to the carbon fiber sole construction.
The driver feels nicely balanced throughout the swing, and the light weight makes it quite effortless to swing. You can sense the lighter weight in the driver throughout its entire length, with no signs of any weight imbalances.
The sound at impact is a crisp, medium-pitched “crack” that is a little bit quieter than its sister models.
Consistency in feel and sound across the face (mis-hits versus center strikes) is similar to the Elyte X. Most of the time, you’ll understand the general area of contact, but the feedback isn’t particularly distinct.
Where To Buy This Driver Online
The natural place to go to order an Elyte Max Fast driver with custom specifications (loft, length, shaft, grip, etc.) is this page on the Callaway store. For the women’s variant, go here.
If you want to save some money, you can find discounts on eBay.
Optionally look at what’s available on PGA TOUR Superstore, Global Golf or Amazon. The first two vendors may offer club trade-ins, performance guarantees, and/or financing plans to help you minimize the financial hit.
Final Thoughts
As the lightweight model in Callaway’s Elyte family of drivers, there’s no question that the Max Fast will be a game-changer for many players, including many beginners, seniors and women, when it comes to getting the ball airborne and maximizing speed and carry.
Whether it’s an easy launch, fast ball speeds, great forgiveness, a sleek aesthetic, or a responsive feel, the Elyte Max Fast doesn’t drop the ball in any regard.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a modern lightweight driver, although if you already own the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Fast from the previous generation, the marginal improvements may not be worth the upgrade for everyone.
Are you interested in the Elyte Max Fast driver? Have you played it? What’s your experience? Tell us about it in the comments below.